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Frequently asked questions

Centralia, IL

Centralia is a city in Clinton, Jefferson, Marion, and Washington counties in the U.S. state of Illinois with the largest portion in Marion County. The city is the largest in three of the counties; Clinton, Marion, and Washington, but is not a county seat of any of them. 

Centralia is located approximately 60 miles (97 km) east of St. Louis, Missouri. Most of the city, including its downtown, is in southwestern Marion County, but the city extends west into Clinton County and south 5 miles (8 km) into Washington and Jefferson counties. The city is 10 miles (16 km) north of exit 61 of Interstate 64 and 9 miles (14 km) west of exit 109 of Interstate 57. Centralia is one of three Illinois cities with portions in four counties, the others being Barrington Hills and Aurora. Because of its unique location within multiple counties, portions of Centralia are associated with different Core Based Statistical Areas (CBSAs). The Centralia Micropolitan Statistical Area includes all of Marion County. The Clinton County portion of the city is considered part of the St. Louis, MO–IL Metropolitan Statistical Area, while the Jefferson County portion lies within the Mt. Vernon Micropolitan Statistical Area. The portion of Centralia in Washington County is not considered part of any metropolitan or micropolitan area.

According to the 2021 census gazetteer files, Centralia has a total area of 9.23 square miles (23.91 km²), of which 8.20 square miles (21.24 km²) (or 88.81%) is land and 1.03 square miles (2.67 km²) (or 11.19%) is water.

Centralia is named for the Illinois Central Railroad, built in 1853. The city was founded at the location where the two original branches of the railroad converged. Centralia was first chartered as a city in 1859. Now Canadian National owns the line.

In the southern city limits is the intersection of the Third Principal Meridian and its baseline. This initial point was established in 1815, and it governs land surveys for about 60% of the state of Illinois, including Chicago. The original monument is at the junction of Highway 51 and the Marion-Jefferson County Line Road; today there is a small easement situated in the northeast corner of this intersection, which contains a monument and historic marker.

Health and wellness are integral aspects of Centralia's community. The SSM Health St. Mary's Hospital - Centralia plays a vital role in providing comprehensive healthcare services to residents. For fitness enthusiasts, check out Planet Fitness for a variety of workout options. Access mental health counseling and support services at Community Resource Center. Kaskaskia College Community Education provides various health and wellness courses and workshops for community members. Centralia Group Home care is focused on mental health treatment and the stabilization of young women, emphasizing preparation for adult living. The Felician Wellness Program offers health support programming for adults in Centralia, IL, and Mt. Vernon, IL, and health and physical education programs in school districts in Centralia, IL.

Top sites in Centralia, IL are Lake Centralia, Salem Theater and Cultural Center, and Centralia Foundation Park.

Population: 11,787 (2024). ZIP code: 62801. Area codes: 618, 730. Elevation: 502 ft (153 m). Area: 9.23 sq mi (23.91 km²).

FAQs

What is Centralia, IL famous for?

Centralia was the site of a devastating coal-mining disaster in 1947 when 111 miners died after being trapped by an explosion. The railroad is still important to the local economy, and other economic activities include agriculture (dairying, soybeans, corn [maize], wheat, and livestock), coal mining, oil and natural gas production, food processing, and light manufacturing (automobile parts, fuses, paper packaging, fiberglass, and plastics). Centralia is the site of the Warren G. Murray Developmental Center for the developmentally disabled; it is also the seat of Kaskaskia (community) College (founded in 1940 as Centralia Junior College). Centralia features a 160-foot (50-meter) carillon tower, built in 1982.

Why is Centralia, IL called an orphan?

According to some, Trout named the team after his favorite movie, the 1922 silent classic Orphans of the Storm. But the true origins of the name have become the stuff of local legend. In his book Trout: The Old Man and the Orphans, author Don Schnake suggests that some people thought the boys on the team looked “as sad as a band of unwanted orphans.” It’s also known that the frugal Trout had his players pick their uniforms from a stack of leftovers from past years.

How old is Centralia, IL?

The City of Centralia is located in south central Illinois and is home to more than 13,000 people according to the 2010 US Census. Centralia was formed in 1853 by the Illinois Central Railroad (from which it derives its name as the center of the rail system in Illinois). The City was incorporated in 1859. The community was built on agriculture, railroad, coal, and oil and is uniquely located within four counties – Clinton, Marion, Jefferson, and Washington.

Sources

Wikipedia

City of Centralia

SSM Health St. Mary's Hospital - Centralia

Planet Fitness

Foundation Park

Community Resource Center

Kaskaskia College Community Education

Centralia Group Home

Felician Wellness Program

Lake Centralia

Salem Theater and Cultural Center

Centralia Foundation Park

Britannica

See Centralia

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